6 Surprising Health Benefits of Massage Therapy

Sure, it can help you relax. But massage therapy can do more than that. Here are six healthy reasons to book an appointment:

It Counteracts All That Sitting You Do

Most individuals are dealing with some kind of postural stress. More often than not [that stress] tends to manifest in the shoulders and neck.

Desk workers, beware. More advanced forms of postural stress show up as pain or weakness in the low back and gluteals caused by prolonged periods of sitting.

Luckily, massage can counteract the imbalance caused from sitting, which means you can keep your desk job—as long as you schedule a regular massage.

It Eases Muscle Pain

Got sore muscles? Massage therapy can help. Massage increases and improves circulation, in much the same way rubbing your elbow when you knock it on a table helps to relieve the pain. 

A 2011 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, found that massage therapy is as effective as other methods of treatment for chronic pain.

It Soothes Anxiety And Depression

Human touch, in a context that is safe, friendly and professional, can be incredibly therapeutic and relaxing. 

Women diagnosed with breast cancer who received massage therapy three times a week reported being less depressed and less angry, according to a 2005 study published in the International Journal of Neuroscience.

And, a study published in the Journal of the American of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, found that patients who were depressed and anxious were much more relaxed and happy, and had reduced stress levels after massage.

It Improves Sleep

Not only can massage encourage a restful sleep – it also helps those who can’t otherwise comfortable rest. 

Massage promotes relaxation and sleep in those undergoing chemo or radiation therapy. 

Also, if you’re a new parent, you’ll be happy to know it can help infants sleep more, cry less and be less stressed, according to research from the University of Warwick.

It Boosts Immunity

A 2010 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that massage boosts patients’ white blood cell count (which plays a large role in defending the body from disease).

It Relieves Headaches

Next time a headache hits, try booking a last-minute massage. Massage can help decrease frequency and severity of tension headaches.

Research from the Granada University in Spain found that a single session of massage therapy has a immediate effect on perceived pain in the patients with chronic tension headaches.